History of Sean-nós Northwest

The first Sean-nós Northwest Festival was held in Portland, Oregon in 2008, and was a small one-day event organized by Portland singer David Ingerson, featuring Seán Williams (singing) and Maldon Meehan (dancing). The festival grew steadily, eventually alternating between Portland and Olympia, Washington. Sean-nós Northwest was organized as a Washington State nonprofit corporation in 2009 by founding Board members Seán Williams, David Ingerson, Maldon Meehan, Alicia Guinn, Kimberly Goetz, and Graham Smith.

In 2014, the Irish Cultural Society of the Pacific Northwest took over the responsibility of running the festival. We were awarded 501(c)(3) status in 2015.

PREVIOUS SEAN-NÓS NW FESTIVALS

We’ve been very fortunate to have an amazing variety of guest instructors over the festival’s history. Below is a list of guest instructors and, where available, copies of our programs and posters.